Alton U14 Through to County Semi Finals

This wasn't a match for the nerves. Alton U14s have always enjoyed a healthy friendly rivalry with Petersfield especially when it comes to the County Cup. It was therefore a pity that one side in this encounter would be advancing further in the Cup at the other's expense. But that is competitive sport and is not to say that Alton did not enjoy their hard fought victory.
If the weather was ideal for rugby the ground conditions certainly weren't. Weeks of rain over the Christmas break and Hampshire clay meant this was not going to be a festival of running rugby.
Alton were off to a bright start from kick off with series of phases not quite making it out of their half. The next 10 minutes were dominated by Petersfield with excellent ball retention and aggressive well supported ball carrying. Petersfield were strong up the middle off 9 and 10, Alton defense despite being on the back foot were resolute. However pressure told and Petersfield got over the line on the 12 minute mark. With the conversion missed Petersfield 5:0.
Ground conditions dictated that we wanted to be playing as much rugby in the opposition half as possible, so the resulting kick off provided Alton the opportunity to get into the oppo territory for the first time in the match. This provided Alton with opportunity to apply their own pressure. Petersfield looking to exit got the ball out wide with a short burst up the left wing only to spill the ball in the tackle. This was all the invitation Mason Baird required, collecting the ball and darting up the righthand touch shrugging off at least two attempted tackles to score. The conversion was missed 5:5 after 17 minutes.
Alton took receipt of the ball from the kick off and kicked back to Petersfield in their half. A knock on gave Alton an attacking scrum 5 metres into Petersfield ground. If Petersfield had been dominant in forward play to this point, Alton had a clear edge in the scrums providing a solid base to launch a set piece move, and it was beautifully taken with Will Pack launching a pin point crossfield kick for Mason Baird to run onto. The bounce of the ball sat up perfectly for Mason and within 3 minutes Alton had gone from 5 nil down to 10:5 up. Will Pack's conversion made it 12:5.
However Petersfield responded immediately battling back in to Alton ground and were rewarded with a try and a well taken conversion right on half time. 12:12 at the break!
Certainly Petersfield had had the better of the first half and the 2 Alton tries were perhaps against the run of play. That is not to say that they were not deserved or well taken. However Alton were now under no illusion that they had a game on their hands and this game had to be played in Petersfield territory. If Petersfield edged the first half it was now Alton's turn to be dominant with the majority play in the opponents third of the pitch but that seemed to be the only advantage. What followed was tough arm wrestle for 20 intense minutes neither side giving ground. With 4 minutes to go Alton were awarded a penalty just inside the Petersfield 10m line. Will Pack craftily kicking for touch just inside the 5m line for an Alton lineout.
Alton drove the line and whilst their screams suggested they were convinced they had scored the referee was less certain and awarded a defensive 5m scrum. Alton dominance didn't allow Petersfield any form of platform, and Petersfield scrambled to secure and play the ball from behind their own line. Within a couple of phases they attempted a clearance kick which off the side of the boot was gathered by Zeph Perring. Zeph still had work to and despite being clattered on try line touched the ball down just inside the corner... inches to spare!!!
The conversion was missed and this turned out to be the final play of the game!! Alton 17 Petersfield 12.

There are lessons in victory and defeat! Whilst Alton were victorious on this occasion it was very close! The biggest lesson? These games are not one by individuals but by teams. We might have a couple of really strong players but they are the icing on the cake. The points on Sunday were scored by 3 players but the match was won by 20!